1 Chronicles 21:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David pleads that the judgment fall on him and his house, not on the innocent people, whom he calls sheep.
What Does 1 Chronicles 21:17 Mean?
David intercedes with raw honesty. He owns the sin entirely, "even I it is that have sinned," and pleads for the people, calling them "these sheep." Let the hand of God fall on him and his house, he prays, but not on the flock.
Here the shepherd offers himself for the sheep. David asks to bear the punishment so the innocent may be spared, a love that points beyond him to the Good Shepherd who would truly lay down His life for the flock. This is leadership redeemed, a king who would rather suffer than see his people suffer for his fault. Intercession that takes the blame upon itself is the very shape of the cross.
1 Chronicles 21:17 in the Original Language
tson (צֹאן), 'sheep' -- a flock, the image of God's defenseless, dependent people.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 21:17
What does 1 Chronicles 21:17 mean?
David pleads that the judgment fall on him and his house, not on the innocent people, whom he calls sheep.